How our expert fraud solicitors can help

At Tyler Hoffman, we have a team of solicitors and support staff that is exclusively dedicated to fraud-related offences. We understand and appreciate how an allegation of this nature can have a detrimental effect on any individual or business, and we pride ourselves in delivering a personal service tailored to each client's specific needs.

Our fraud solicitors are experts in case building, based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in all fraud related cases. We are renowned for our commitment to taking early action in any investigation and advising on preventative steps which may be taken to resolve the case without the need for formal court proceedings. Tyler Hoffman's fraud defence solicitors will pursue all possible lines of enquiry that could yield the evidence we need to prove your innocence.

We have excellent relationships with truly gifted Barristers and QCs whom we will engage to support you, and will call in forensic experts, accountants and mobile phone analysis experts to give evidence to bolster your defence. Unlike most law firms, we will not shy away from instructing such experts and investing in your defence, to ensure you have the best chance at defending your case. We represent clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal. We offer our services nationwide across England and Wales.

If you are subject to a restraint order or bail conditions that inhibit your ability to manage your affairs, we are relentless in working to have these removed so that you can continue your day to day life. Our fraud solicitors will always work closely with you to understand what you need from your defence, and aim to secure a positive outcome.

Which organisations investigate fraud?

Several organisations in England and Wales have responsibility for investigating and tackling fraud, and they may act independently or work together on fraud investigations depending on the type, scale and context of the fraud. Bodies that may be involved in an investigation include:

• The City of London police force hosts the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and leads investigations. The organisation also runs Action Fraud, the central reporting system for individuals and businesses. While Action Fraud itself doesn’t investigate, it receives reports and passes them to the NFIB for intelligence assessment.
• Local police forces will often handle initial reports of fraud that come through Action Fraud, and escalate serious or complex cases to specialist bodies.
• The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption, often involving large sums of money, high-profile individuals or international elements. The SFO typically steps in when cases meet a high threshold of seriousness and public interest.
• The National Crime Agency focuses on organised crime groups behind large-scale or international fraud. It targets networks rather than individuals and its investigations are often linked to cybercrime and money laundering.
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services firms and markets. It investigates fraud and misconduct involving financial institutions, investment scams, insider dealing and market abuse. The FCA often works closely in tandem with other authorities to carry out thorough investigations.
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for investigating tax fraud, VAT fraud and customs duty fraud. It has extensive investigative powers and can prosecute offenders.

Alongside these authorities, bodies in the private sector may contribute expertise or evidence to criminal cases. For example, banks, telecoms providers and online platforms also work with law enforcement to combat fraud. The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit is a specialist police unit funded by the banking industry and staffed by officers from the City of London and Metropolitan Police, with the goal of tackling bank and payment card fraud.

What are the most common fraud offences?

Criminal fraud offences are primarily governed by the Fraud Act 2006 in England and Wales, which identifies core offences. However, many different types of fraud may fall under these umbrellas, and charges may be brought under related legislation depending on the circumstances of the alleged offence.

The key fraud offences include:

• Fraud by False Representation, which means making a false, dishonest representation to make a gain or cause loss.
• Fraud by Failing to Disclose Information, or omitting to disclose required information so that you can benefit dishonestly.
• Fraud by Abuse of Position, which means misusing a position of trust to dishonestly gain or cause loss.

Depending on the defendant's role in any alleged offending, charges of possession or supply of articles for use in fraud, participation by sole trader in a fraudulent business, or obtaining services dishonestly may be brought.

While this may seem limited, these offences can actually apply to a wide range of circumstances, including everything from bank fraud and investment fraud involving large sums of money, to cyber fraud and identity fraud where personal details are stolen over the internet. Some of the most common types of fraud cases include:

Financial and banking fraud

• Bank and credit account fraud: Unauthorised use of bank or credit facilities, including account takeover.
• Mortgage fraud: Misrepresentation of income, identity or property details to obtain a mortgage.
• Investment fraud: Promises of high returns from schemes that are dishonest or non-existent (sometimes called boiler room fraud).
• Pension fraud: Persuading individuals to transfer pensions into fraudulent or high-risk schemes.
• Authorised push payment fraud: Victims are tricked into transferring money to fraudsters.

Consumer and retail fraud

• Advance fee fraud: Victims pay upfront for goods, services or financial opportunities that never materialise.
• Purchase scams: Fake online listings or sellers misrepresenting goods.
• Counterfeit goods fraud: Sale of fake branded products.
• Ticket fraud: Selling fake or non-existent tickets for events, travel or holidays.
• Subscription fraud: Misuse of someone else’s personal or financial details to obtain goods or services.

Employment and benefit fraud

• Job fraud: Advertising fake jobs to extract money or personal information.
• Benefit fraud: Dishonestly claiming welfare benefits by misrepresenting circumstances.
• Payroll fraud: Inflating pay, creating ghost employees or falsifying overtime claims.

Corporate and professional fraud

• Procurement fraud: Manipulating contract bids, invoices or supply chains to obtain dishonest advantage.
• Expense fraud: Employees falsifying expenses for financial gain.
• Insurance fraud: False claims such as staged accidents, exaggerated losses or fabricated injuries.
• Fraudulent trading: Companies conducting business with intent to defraud creditors.
• Accountancy fraud: Manipulating company accounts to mislead shareholders or regulators.

Cyber and technology-enabled fraud

• Phishing and spoofing: Deceptive emails, texts or calls to obtain personal details or login credentials.
• Identity theft and identity fraud: Using another person’s details to obtain goods, services or credit.
• Hacking-related fraud: Gaining unauthorised access to systems for financial advantage.
• Cryptocurrency fraud: Fake exchanges, fraudulent investments or Ponzi-style crypto schemes.

Public sector and tax fraud

• Tax evasion and tax credit fraud: False information submitted to HMRC to avoid or reduce tax liability.
• Customs fraud: False declarations or under-reporting value of goods at the border.
• Grant fraud: Misuse of public funds through false applications or reporting.

Tyler Hoffman's fraud solicitors have a proven track record of offering the best legal advice in these cases, and delivering the outcomes our clients want. Any type of fraud may be treated as a serious offence, and you should secure high-quality legal advice to protect your position. Contact our specialist fraud solicitors if you are facing a fraud allegation to learn how we can help.

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